Colbert, GA on Nov 01, 2011

Help!!!

I can see all the nail holes in my trim molding. The builder used some filler, but not enough. There are depressions everywhere. The trim is painted glossy, making it really stand out. Is there a filler product that will work over the glossy paint?

9 Comments

Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

Lisa, you can use "shrink free" patch compound. It is meant to fill small nail type holes and, as the name suggests, does not shrink and leave a divot behind. Use your finger to push the stuff into the hole and then wipe away any excess. Once it is dry, you can touch up the paint.

on Nov 01, 2011 · Like 2
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

Regardless of what you use to fill the holes, you will still need to refinish the wood again as no filler is a glossy finish.

on Nov 01, 2011 · Like 2
Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

Minwax wood filler in a toothpaste-like tube works very well for nail holes and sands easily. Pick it up at The Depot.
The problem you have is in almost every home and you are seeing it more clearly because of the high gloss finish.
What was in the hole originally was painters putty. It has shrunk over time; it also can ...»
leave a little amber stain.
Contractors don't know about or use wood filler because it takes longer to 'tool in' and requires the additional steps of sanding and priming.
It is an excellent product because the holes will never be detectable.
You will have a challenge now because it is more difficult to fill a low profile hole, but it can be done. You will need a couple of flexible 2 inch putty knives; try to pull it tight to minimize sanding. Done correctly, you should have almost no sanding.
You have a discerning eye; a blessing and a curse. I pointed this out in a home today and it did not bother them, because they never noticed it.
Best, Charles

on Nov 01, 2011 · Like 3
JL Spring & Associates Richmond, VA

Give the holes a quick light sanding and use this Smart product.
You can apply with fingertip and let almost dry and do a wipe with a damp sponge to smooth down...then repaint. Or you can pick the centers of the nail sinks with an ice pick or 16 penny nail and apply the compond anyway you can and then repaint... That's all I got! best to ya JL

on Nov 01, 2011 · Like 2
Lisa S Colbert, GA

Thanks to all who responded. I hate when contractors cut corners and make more work for me:)

on Nov 03, 2011 · Like 0
Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

Lisa, the game is rigged. The contractors that did your job barely made ends meet the way it was.
CP

on Nov 03, 2011 · Like 0
Glkirk Builders Inc. Chesapeake, VA

Hi Lisa, New construction painters today, typically use "Painters putty" to fill nail holes.We are talking about trim-nail holes here? (which are usually very small). Are we talking about wood trim, MFD trim or some other? Painters putty is a stiff putty that, when applied correctly, (pushed into the nail hole with your thumb or finger and smoothed to match the plane of the trim product. Anyways, because of the full gloss finish, these seem to "hit your eyes". Your question of "is there ...»
any filler that will stick to the finish" is a good one. Somehow (maybe use a small wire brush) to dull the finish on the indented areas and use a good spackling compound, which will have to be sanded smooth and then primed and topcoated.
MFD takes finishing products differently than wood. I have seen paint explode MFD when it gets into the nail holes before they are puttied. If that is the case, much more work might be required to suite you.

on Nov 03, 2011 · Like 0
Lisa S Colbert, GA

PP- I know you are right-I just cant do the job myself nearly as well as a professional

on Nov 03, 2011 · Like 0
Peace Painting Co., Inc. Alpharetta, GA

I have seen people that did not know what they were doing but wanted to do a good job, do better than a professional.

on Nov 03, 2011 · Like 1

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